Modified atmosphere packaging for a floral grouping

ABSTRACT

Methods are provided for packaging floral groupings in a modified atmosphere at or near the site or harvest. The modified atmosphere package, which generally contains oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations which differ from those seen in air, is constructed of a material which has modified atmosphere characteristics such that the material is permeable to certain gases while impermeable to others. The package may also include fluid impermeable perforations to assist in the removal of the floral grouping from the package. A surface packaging agent, which maintains the appearance of the floral grouping and/or the modified atmosphere package, may also be present on the package, and a floral grouping maintenance agent, which maintains the appearance of the floral grouping, may also be disposed within the package with the floral grouping before partially sealing the modified atmosphere package about the floral grouping.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 09/908,535,filed Jul. 18, 2001, entitled “MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE PACKAGING FOR AFLORAL GROUPING”; which is a divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 09/366,507,filed Aug. 3, 1999, entitled “MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE PACKAGING FOR A FLORALGROUPING”, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,357,207, issued Mar. 19, 2002.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] 1. Field of the Invention

[0004] The present invention relates generally to methods for packagingfloral groupings, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation,to methods for packaging floral groupings in modified atmospheres.

[0005] 2. Brief Description of the Art

[0006] Methods of packaging fruits and vegetables in controlled ormodified atmospheres have been used commercially for many years.Controlled or modified atmospheres contain modified concentrations ofoxygen and carbon dioxide, and have been shown to be more beneficialthan similar storage of the produce in air. The same principle ofaltering the atmosphere in a storage container with respect to oxygen(O₂) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels is used in both controlledatmosphere storage and modified atmosphere storage. The two differ inthat controlled atmosphere storage involves continuous monitoring andcontrolling of the levels of the two gases, while modified atmospherestorage does not involve control of the gas concentrations after initialpackaging of the storage item.

[0007] Benefits of controlled atmosphere/modified atmosphere storageinclude slow ripening of fruits, retardation of the spread of diseases,inhibition of toughening and undesirable yellowing, etc. Many fruitshave been commercially stored in controlled or modified atmospheres andinclude apples, cherries, strawberries, figs, kiwi fruit, nectarines,peaches, pears, avocados, and bananas. Many vegetables have beencommercially stored in controlled or modified atmospheres and includetomatoes, asparagus, beets, broccoli, lettuce, potatoes, cabbage,cantaloupes, carrots, celery, corn, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers.

[0008] Although controlled atmosphere/modified atmosphere storage ofproduce has been successful, considerable experimentation withcontrolled atmosphere/modified atmosphere storage of cut flowers andpotted plants has led many in the floral industry to conclude thatwidespread use of these techniques in the floral industry is unfeasible.The range of optimal concentrations of O₂ and CO₂ are very narrow formost cultivars, and any imprecision results in various injuries to cutflowers and potted plants, as well as decreased vase life and increasedflower senescence. Also, the optimal concentrations of O₂ and CO₂ differnot only for various species but even for various cultivars, and thesedifferences can be quite large. In addition, when considering pottedplants, the optimal O₂ and CO₂ concentrations required for one part of aplant may differ from the concentrations required for another part ofthe plant.

[0009] Transport of flowers and potted plants maintained incontrolled/modified atmosphere storage also presents several problems,including handling flowers differently in the same cold chamber as wellas the removal of certain flowers from the chamber for delivery whilemaintaining the modified environment surrounding the remaining flowers.Most trailers make multiple stops as wholesalers prefer to receive smallquantities several times a week. In addition, potted plants are moresensitive to ethylene, which causes various injuries to plants andflowers and is produced by flowers in small amounts. Additionally, coldstorage at precise temperatures is generally also required in additionto controlled atmosphere/modified atmosphere storage, and boxes andpallet bags restrict air flow, resulting in inefficient andheterogeneous cooling of the flowers; unstable or increased storagetemperatures have the same effects as imprecise O₂ and CO₂concentrations. Because of the high cost and difficulties associatedwith implementing controlled or modified atmosphere storage of flowers,controlled or modified atmosphere storage has been consideredeconomically unfeasible by the floral industry.

[0010] Therefore, economically feasible methods of packaging floralgroupings, including cut flowers and potted plants, in atmospheres whichwill increase the life of the floral grouping over that seen by storagein air are being sought. It is to such methods for packaging a floralgrouping in a modified atmosphere that the present invention isdirected.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] According to the present invention, methods for packaging floralgroupings in a modified atmosphere are provided which avoid thedisadvantages and defects in the prior art, making the methodseconomically feasible. Broadly, methods are provided for packagingfloral groupings in a modified atmosphere at or near the site ofharvest. This package will be of the size and appearance which can bedisplayed by a retail florist and will not be opened until ready forsale, which will allow for less handling of the floral groupings atwholesale and distribution points and may even allow bypassing of thesepoints for direct delivery to retail outlets. The packaging used may bealtered to provide a decorative appearance, or may be designed forutility, such as providing price, UPC, or car handling tags or permanentholding material for the floral groupings. By packaging floral groupingssingularly or in small groups, different modified atmospheres withspecific O₂ and CO₂ concentrations can be used, and more efficientcooling of the floral grouping will be observed. This will allow forless handling of the floral groupings at wholesale and distributionpoints and would even allow bypassing of these points for directdelivery to retail outlets, making the modified atmosphere storage moresuccessful and economically feasible.

[0012] The package is constructed of a material which has modifiedatmosphere characteristics such that the material is permeable tocertain gases while impermeable to others. The package includes an openfirst end and a bonding material present on a portion thereof. Thepackage may also include fluid impermeable perforations to assist in theremoval of the floral grouping from the package. A surface packagingagent, which maintains the appearance of the floral grouping and/or themodified atmosphere package, may also be present on the package.

[0013] In preparing a floral grouping for shipment utilizing themodified atmosphere package, a floral grouping is disposed within thepackage. A floral grouping maintenance agent, which maintains theappearance of the floral grouping, may also be disposed within thepackage with the floral grouping before partially sealing the modifiedatmosphere package about the floral grouping.

[0014] A modified atmosphere is then injected into the package, and thefirst end of the package which is partially open is sealed to provide amodified atmosphere package for a floral grouping. The modifiedatmospheres generally contain O₂ and CO₂ concentrations which differfrom those seen in air.

[0015] An object of the present invention is to provide a modifiedatmosphere for storage of floral groupings.

[0016] Another object of the present invention, while achieving thebefore-stated object, is to provide methods for producing a modifiedatmosphere for storage of floral groupings.

[0017] Other objects, features and advantages of the present inventionwill become apparent from the following detailed description when readin conjunction with the accompanying drawings and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018]FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a modified atmospherepackage disposed about a floral grouping in accordance with the presentinvention.

[0019]FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a sheet of material fromwhich the modified atmosphere package of FIG. 1 is constructed.

[0020]FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a potted plant disposedin an unsealed modified atmosphere package constructed in accordancewith the present invention.

[0021]FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a flower potencapsulated in the modified atmosphere package of FIG. 3.

[0022]FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the modified atmospherepackage disposed about a cut flower wherein the cut flower has a stemportion, a portion of which is disposed in a vial containing a floralpreservative solution.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Referring now to the drawings, shown in FIG. 1 and designatedtherein by the general reference numeral 10 is a package for providing amodified atmosphere package for a floral grouping 12 constructed inaccordance with the present invention. The modified atmosphere package10 has an open first end 14, a closed second end 16, and a sidewall 18.The closed second end 16 and the sidewall 18 of the modified atmospherepackage 10 cooperate to define a floral grouping retaining space 20which openly communicates with the open first end 14 of the modifiedatmosphere package 10.

[0024] The modified atmosphere package 10 is constructed of a sheet ofmaterial 30, which is shown in FIG. 2. The sheet of material 30 ischaracterized as having an inner surface 32, an outer surface 34, andmodified atmosphere characteristics such that the sheet of material 30is permeable to certain gases while impermeable to other gases. Thesheet of material 30 from which the modified atmosphere package 10 isconstructed is provided with a bonding material 36 disposed upon thesheet of material 30 for reasons which will be defined in detailhereinafter. Also, the sheet of material 30 may have fluid impermeableperforations 38 present on a portion thereof.

[0025] The thickness of the sheet of material 30 can vary widely as longas the sheet of material 30 is flexible and possesses the modifiedatmosphere characteristics defined hereinafter. Generally, however, thesheet of material 30 has a thickness in a range from about 0.1 mil toabout 10 mils. Frequently, the sheet of material 30 has a thickness in arange from about 0.2 mil to about 3.5 mils. The sheet of material 30 isconstructed of a material which is flexible.

[0026] The sheet of material 30 may be any shape, and a rectangularshape is shown in FIG. 2 only by way of example. The sheet of material30, for example only, may be square, rectangular, circular or any othergeometric, non-geometric, asymmetric or fanciful shape, such as, but notby way of limitation, heart shaped.

[0027] The sheet of material 30 is a plastic material constructed from aplastic film having modified atmosphere characteristics, that is, a filmwhich is permeable to some substances and/or gases, but impermeable toothers. The sheet of material 30 will be substantially impermeable towater vapor, microbial contaminants and liquid. In this way, modifiedatmosphere packaging keeps the moisture content constant throughout thestorage period. The sheet of material may have varying permeabilities tooxygen and carbon dioxide. Partial permeability counteracts the effectsof respiration by the floral grouping 12; that is, respiration of thefloral grouping 12 maintained in a package which is impermeable tooxygen or carbon dioxide will result in large accumulations of carbondioxide and depletion of oxygen, both of which can have adverse effectson the floral grouping 12. Therefore, the modified atmosphere package 10constructed from the sheet of material 30 will have partialpermeabilities to oxygen and carbon dioxide, thereby containing theoxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations of the modified atmosphereinjected into the package 10 while controlling the accumulation ofcarbon dioxide and the depletion of oxygen resulting from respiration ofthe floral grouping 12.

[0028] Controlled or modified atmosphere film and methods of making saidfilms are known in the art. Such a plastic film is available fromHercules, Incorporated, Hercules Plaza, Wilmington, Del. 19894. Otherexamples of such a film include, for example, but not by way oflimitation, Polyethylene-D, See-Pak®, Fresh-Hold®, Star*Pac®, Cryovac®,mylar, cellophane, high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene,polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, and pliofilm. Different plasticfilms, or combination of films, may be utilized according to thecontents of the package and the modified atmosphere desired within suchpackages, as described in detail below, as well as the oxygen and carbondioxide permeabilities required to maintain the modified atmosphere. Thepermeabilities of several films are given hereinafter for example only,and not by way of limitation: mylar film is relatively impermeable toboth oxygen and carbon dioxide gases, having permeabilities of about 80cc/m²/atm/day for oxygen and about 218 cc/m²/atm/day for carbon dioxideat 20° C., 0% relative humidity, and 0.5 mils thickness; low densitypolypropylene is slightly more permeable, having permeabilities in therange of from about 2,200 to about 3,700 cc/m²/atm/day for oxygen andfrom about 3,400 to about 13,000 cc/m²/atm/day for carbon dioxide at 20°C., 0% relative humidity and a thickness in the range of from about 2.0mils to about 6.0 mils; and pliofilm being substantially more permeable,having permeabilities of about 28,000 cc/m²/atm/day for oxygen and about101,700 cc/m²/atm/day for carbon dioxide at 20° C., 0% relativehumidity, and 1.0 mils thickness.

[0029] It should also be noted that the thickness of the film isinversely proportional to the permeability of the film; for example, butnot by way of limitation, low density polypropylene having a thicknessof 2.0 mils has permeabilities of about 3,700 cc/m²/atm/day and about13,000 cc/m²/atm/day for oxygen and carbon dioxide, respectively, whilelow density polypropylene having a thickness of 6.0 mils haspermeabilities of about 2,200 cc/m²/atm/day and about 3,400cc/m²/atm/day for oxygen and carbon dioxide, respectively.

[0030] It will be understood that modified atmosphere packagesconstructed of sheets of material with differing permeabilities may beemployed in the spirit of the invention.

[0031] The sheet of material 30 may be constructed of a single layer ofmaterial or a plurality of layers of the same or different types ofmaterials. The layers of material comprising the sheet of material 30may be laminated together or connected together by any method describedherein or known in the art. A multilayered sheet of material 30 muststill retain flexibility and the previously defined modified atmospherecharacteristics.

[0032] A bonding material 36 may be disposed substantially over theinner surface 32 of the sheet of material 30. The bonding material 36may also be disposed upon the inner surface 32 of the sheet of material30 in a strip of bonding material 36. The bonding material 36 must beapplied over a substantial length of distance so as to effect an airtight seal upon bondingly connecting the first end 14 of the modifiedatmosphere package 10.

[0033] One method for disposing a bonding material, in this case anadhesive, on a sheet of material is described in U.S. Pat. No.5,111,637, entitled, “Method For Wrapping A Floral Grouping”, issued toWeder et al. on May 12, 1992 and which is hereby incorporated herein byreference. Another method for disposing a bonding material in order tolaminate two sheets of material is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,297,811,entitled, “Laminated Printed Foil Flower Pot Wrap With MulticolorAppearance”, issued to Weder on Nov. 3, 1981 and which is herebyincorporated herein by reference.

[0034] The term “bonding material” when used herein means an adhesive,possibly a pressure sensitive adhesive, or a cohesive. Where the bondingmaterial is a cohesive, a similar cohesive material must be placed onthe adjacent surface for bondingly contacting and bondingly engagingwith the cohesive material. The term “bonding material” also includesmaterials which are heat sealable and, in this instance, the adjacentportions of the material must be brought into contact and then heat mustbe applied to effect the seal. The term “bonding material” when usedherein also means a lacquer, which may be applied to the sheet ofmaterial and, in this instance, heat, sound waves, or vibrations, alsomust be applied to effect the sealing of the lacquer.

[0035] It will be understood that although this embodiment includes theuse of a bonding material 36 to seal the modified atmosphere package 10,other methods of sealing the first end 14 of the modified atmospherepackage 10 to provide an air-tight seal may be used. Examples ofalternative sealing methods include, but not by way of limitation, aband, a plug, and a clip.

[0036] It will be appreciated that the sheet of material 30 may consistof designs or decorative patterns which are printed, etched, and/orembossed thereon using inks or other printing materials. Each of theabove named patterns may occur alone or in combination. When two or morepatterns are present, the patterns may be in register with one another,out of register with one another, or partially in register and partiallyout of register with one another. Examples of printed designs other thandecorative designs include, for example, but not by way of limitation,UPC tags, price tags, care and handling tags, and company or brandlogos. An example of an ink which may be applied to one or more surfacesof the sheet of material 30 is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,147,706,entitled, “Water Based Ink On Foil And/Or Synthetic Organic Polymer”,issued to Kingman on Sep. 15, 1991 and which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference.

[0037] The sheet of material 30 may have various colorings, coatings,embossings, flocking and/or metallic finishes, or other decorativesurface ornamentation applied separately or simultaneously, or may becharacterized totally or partially by pearlescent, translucent,transparent, iridescent or the like qualities. Each of the above-namedcharacteristics may occur alone or in combination and may be applied tothe inner surface 32 and/or the outer surface 34 of the sheet ofmaterial 30. Moreover, each surface of the sheet of material 30 may varyin the combination of such characteristics. The sheet of material 30 maybe opaque, translucent, clear, tinted, transparent or any combinationthereof.

[0038] The bonding material 36 may also be used to laminate two sheetsof material 30 together and may also be tinted or colored using a dye,pigment, or ink. In this manner, different coloring effects areprovided, and the multiple sheets of material 30 may be given a coloredappearance by use of a colored bonding material 36. U.S. Pat. No.5,147,706 described immediately above provides one water based ink whichmay be used to tint one or more sheets of material 30 or which may beused to tint the bonding material 36.

[0039] Referring again to FIG. 2, one or more surface packaging agents40 may be present on the sheet of material 30. The surface packagingagent 40 maintains the appearance of the floral grouping and themodified atmosphere package until ready for sale by methods such as, butnot by way of limitation, preventing disease, wilting and senescence offlowers and preventing fogging and moisture buildup on the packaging.The surface packaging agent 40 may be a disinfectant, a desiccant, ananti-fogging agent, an anti-ethylene agent, a cooling enzyme andcombinations thereof.

[0040] The sheet of material 30 may have a disinfectant as a surfacepackaging agent 40 disposed thereon and/or incorporated therein. Theterm “disinfectant” as used herein means an agent possessing antifungalproperties, antibacterial (bacteriostatic or bactericidal) properties,insecticidal properties, and/or antimicrobial properties. Examples ofdisinfectants include, but not by way of limitation, 8-hydroxyquinolinesulfate, 8-hydroxyquinoline citrate, iprodione, procymidone,vinclozolin, Vanguard (Ciba-Geigy), prochloraz, Physan-20, amphyl,sodium hypochlorite, copper sulfate, silver nitrate, silver thiosulfate,thiobendazole, zinc acetate, chlorpyrifos, methyl bromide, aluminumsulfate, aluminum nitrate and combinations thereof.

[0041] It will also be understood that many disinfectants are known inthe art. It will further be appreciated that the precise combinationsand amounts of disinfectants used is dependent upon the results soughtand the items to be packaged. The duration of action of thedisinfectant(s) will depend, in part, upon the disinfectant(s) used, theconcentration of the disinfectant(s) used, and the exposure of thedisinfectant(s) to atmospheric and/or packaged conditions.

[0042] The sheet of material 30 may have a desiccant as a surfacepackaging agent 40 disposed thereon and/or incorporated therein. Suchdesiccants include, for example, but not by way of limitation, calciumchloride and silica gel. It will be understood that a number ofdesiccants are known to those having ordinary skill in the art, and itwill be appreciated that the precise amount of desiccant(s) disposed onor incorporated in the sheet of material 30 is dependent upon theresults sought and the items to be packaged therein. The duration ofaction of the desiccant will depend, in part, upon the desiccant(s)used, the concentration of the desiccant(s) used, and the exposure ofthe desiccant(s) to atmospheric and/or packaged conditions.

[0043] The sheet of material 30 may have an anti-fogging agent as asurface packaging agent 40 disposed thereon and/or incorporated therein.It will be appreciated that anti-fogging agents are known in the art. Itwill further be appreciated that the precise amounts of anti-foggingagents used is dependent upon the results sought and the items to bepackaged. The duration of action of the agent(s) will depend, in part,upon the agent(s) used, the concentration of the agent(s) used, and theexposure of the agent(s) to atmospheric and/or packaged conditions.

[0044] The desiccant and anti-fogging agent are disposed upon the sheetof material 30 as a surface packaging agent 40 and not disposed in themodified atmosphere package 10 with the floral grouping 12 as a floralgrouping maintenance agent (described in detail hereinafter) becauseonly moisture from the inner surface 32 of the sheet of material 30 needbe removed, and contact between the desiccant or anti-fogging agent andthe floral grouping 12 may decrease the water concentration of thefloral grouping 12, causing the floral grouping 12 to wilt.

[0045] The sheet of material 30 may have an anti-ethylene agent as asurface packaging agent 40 disposed thereon and/or incorporated therein.The most adverse and injurious effects on cut flowers and potted plantsare caused by ethylene, which is produced in elevated levels bydiseased, injured and senescing flowers and floral groupings. Examplesof anti-ethylene agents include agents which remove ethylene from theatmosphere as well as agents which inhibit ethylene production orcounteract the effects of ethylene. Anti-ethylene agents which removeethylene from the atmosphere include, but not by way of limitation,potassium permanganate-containing ethylene scrubbers and activatedbrominated charcoal. Potassium permanganate-containing ethylenescrubbers contain potassium permanganate adsorbed on carriers with largeporous surfaces, such as, but not by way of limitation, alumina pellets,Celite, expanded glass, perlite, silica gel, and vermiculite.Anti-ethylene agents which inhibit ethylene production or counteract theeffects of ethylene include, but not by way of limitation, ethyleneoxide, aminoethoxyvinylglycine, sodium thiosulfate, sodium benzoate,carbonyl cyanide, cycloheximide, 1-methylcyclopropene, substitutedbenzothiadiazole, gibberellins, and cytokinins.

[0046] It will be appreciated that the precise amounts of anti-ethyleneagents used is dependent upon the results sought and the items to bepackaged. The duration of action of the agent will depend, in part, uponthe agent(s) used, the concentration of the agent(s) used, and theexposure of the agent(s) to atmospheric and/or packaged conditions.

[0047] The sheet of material 30 may have a cooling enzyme as a surfacepackaging agent 40 disposed thereon and/or incorporated therein. It willbe appreciated that cooling enzymes, which reduce the ambienttemperature, are known in the art. It will further be appreciated thatthe precise amounts of cooling enzymes used is dependent upon theresults sought and the items to be packaged. The duration of action ofthe enzyme will depend, in part, upon the enzyme(s) used, theconcentration of the enzyme(s) used, and the exposure of the enzyme(s)to atmospheric and/or packaged conditions.

[0048] Any of the surface packaging agents 40 may be disposed upon thesheet of material 30 by any method known in the art, including, but notby way of limitation, spraying, brushing, immersing the sheet ofmaterial 30 in a surface packaging agent 40, and exposure of the sheetof material 30 to surface packaging agent-containing gas, or mixingand/or incorporating the surface packaging agent 40 in a dye, pigment,ink, lacquer, or any combination thereof, or any other medium, which isthen applied to the sheet of material 30. Further, it will be understoodthat the bonding material 36 and any of the surface packaging agents 40may be disposed upon or incorporated in any item such as, but not by wayof limitation, tape, labels, stickers, decals, and the like, and thenapplied to the sheet of material 30. It will be appreciated that theentire sheet of material 30 may be treated in the manner describedabove, or, alternatively, only a portion thereof may be treated. Thesurface packaging agents 40 may also be incorporated into the sheet ofmaterial 30 before or during formation of the sheet of material 30.

[0049] The surface packaging agents 40 may also be mixed with orincorporated in the bonding material 36, the bonding material 36 thenbeing disposed upon at least a portion of the sheet of material 30.Methods for such mixing and/or incorporation are known in the art, asare methods for disposing bonding material on sheet material. Thesurface packaging agents 40 may also be mixed with or incorporated intoa lacquer, the lacquer then being disposed upon at least a portion ofthe sheet of material 30.

[0050] The surface packaging agents 40, as well as the bonding material36, may alternatively be disposed upon the sheet of material 30 viamicrocapsules. Suitable microcapsules and methods which may be utilizedwith the above-referenced surface packaging agents 40 and bondingmaterial 36 are known in the art.

[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the sheet of material 30 isgathered around a floral grouping 12 to provide the floral groupingretaining space 20 such that the floral grouping 12 is disposed in thefloral grouping retaining space 20 of the package 10. The open first end14 of the modified atmosphere package 10 is partially sealed via thebonding material 36 disposed on the sheet of material 30 to provide asmall opening 42 in the first end 14 of the modified atmosphere package10. Through the opening 42, a modified atmosphere 44 is injected intothe floral grouping retaining space 20 of the modified atmospherepackage 10. The modified atmosphere 44 contains an oxygen concentrationranging from 0% to about 21% by volume, a carbon dioxide concentrationranging from 0% to about 30% by volume, and the remaining concentrationof the modified atmosphere 44 being substantially all molecularnitrogen.

[0052] Following injection of the modified atmosphere 44 into the floralgrouping retaining space 20 of the modified atmosphere package 10, thesmall opening 42 in the first end 14 of the modified atmosphere package10 is sealed via the bonding material 36 present on the sheet ofmaterial 30 from which the modified atmosphere package 10 isconstructed, thereby sealing both the floral grouping 12 and themodified atmosphere 44 within the modified atmosphere package 10.

[0053] The term “floral grouping” may be used interchangeably hereinwith the terms “plant” and/or “flower”. The term “floral grouping” mayalso be used interchangeably herein with the terms “botanical item”and/or “propagule”. The floral grouping 12 may be cut flowers, a pottedplant, or propagules.

[0054] The term “botanical item” when used herein means a naturalherbaceous or woody plant, taken singly or in combination. The term“botanical item” also means any portion or portions of naturalherbaceous or woody plants including stems, leaves, flowers, blossoms,buds, blooms, cones, or roots, taken singly or in combination, or ingroupings of such portions such as a bouquet or floral grouping.

[0055] The term “propagule” when used herein means any structure capableof being propagated or acting as an agent of reproduction includingseeds, shoots, stems, runners, tubers, plants, leaves, roots or spores.

[0056] Wherein the floral grouping 12 is a potted plant, the term“floral grouping” includes not only the potted plant but also a pot orcontainer, as well as growing medium. Several advantages to storingpotted plants in modified atmosphere storage include, but not by way oflimitation, much longer storage times than cut flowers, survival with noneed for watering, and prevention of subjection to potentially harmfulenvironments, such as an environment containing ethylene.

[0057] A modified atmosphere package 50 may be formed from a preformedcontainer 51, such as a flower pot cover which is adapted to receive afloral grouping 12 a wherein the floral grouping 12 a is a potted plant,and is capable of being sealed to create an air tight seal at the top ofthe flower pot cover, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The modified atmospherepackage 50 has an open first end 52, a closed second end 54, and asidewall 56. The closed second end 54 and the sidewall 56 cooperate todefine a floral grouping retaining space 58 which openly communicateswith the open first end 52 of the modified atmosphere package 50. Thematerial from which the modified atmosphere package 50 is constructed(i.e., a flower pot cover) will have modified atmosphere characteristicssuch that the material is permeable to certain gases while impermeableto other gases. A bonding material 60 is provided on an inner surface 62of the modified atmosphere package 50 for reasons which are described indetail above. Fluid impermeable perforations 64 may also be provided ona portion of the modified atmosphere package 50 to assist in removal ofthe floral grouping 12 a.

[0058] At least one floral grouping maintenance agent 66 may be disposedin the floral grouping retaining space 58 of the modified atmospherepackage 50 with the floral grouping 12 a, as shown in FIG. 3. The floralgrouping maintenance agent 66 maintains the appearance of the floralgrouping 12 a until ready for sale by methods such as, but not by way oflimitation, preventing disease, wilting, and senescence of the floralgrouping 12 a, controlling relative humidity and carbon dioxide levels,and holding the floral grouping 12 a in such a position as to preventharmful interactions of individual flowers in the floral grouping 12 awith other flowers of the floral grouping 12 a or the modifiedatmosphere package 50. The floral grouping maintenance agent 66 may be adisinfectant, an anti-ethylene agent, an anti-static agent, awater-containing sponge, a carbon dioxide scrubber, a cooling enzyme, afloral holding material and combinations thereof.

[0059] The use of a disinfectant, an anti-ethylene agent, and a coolingenzyme as floral grouping maintenance agents 66 will be substantiallythe same as the use of these agents as surface packaging agents 40 aspreviously described in detail above, with the exception that the use ofthe agents as surface packaging agents 40 requires disposing the agenton or incorporating the agent into the sheet of material 30, while theuse of the agents as floral grouping maintenance agents 66 simplyrequires disposing the agent in the modified atmosphere package 50 withthe floral grouping 12 a.

[0060] An anti-static agent may be disposed in the modified atmospherepackage 50 with the floral grouping 12 a as a floral groupingmaintenance agent 66. It will be appreciated that anti-static agents,which prevents multiple floral stems from becoming entangled, are knownin the art. It will further be appreciated that the precise amounts ofanti-static agents used is dependent upon the results sought and theitems to be packaged. The duration of action of the agent will depend,in part, upon the agent(s) used, the concentration of the agent(s) used,and the exposure of the agent(s) to atmospheric and/or packagedconditions.

[0061] A water-containing sponge may be disposed in the modifiedatmosphere package 50 with the floral grouping 12 a as a floral groupingmaintenance agent 66. It will be appreciated that sponges are known inthe art. It will further be appreciated that the precise amounts ofsponge or water used is dependent upon the results sought and the itemsto be packaged. The duration of action of the agent will depend, inpart, upon the size of sponge used, the amount of water used, and theexposure of the water-containing sponge to atmospheric and/or packagedconditions.

[0062] A carbon dioxide scrubber may be disposed in the modifiedatmosphere package 50 with the floral grouping 12 a as a floral groupingmaintenance agent 66. It will be appreciated that carbon dioxidescrubbers, which remove excess carbon dioxide from the modifiedatmosphere 44 a, are known in the art. Examples of carbon dioxidescrubbers include, but not by way of limitation, sodium hydroxide,water, activated charcoal, hydrated lime, a molecular sieve andcombinations thereof. It will further be appreciated that the preciseamounts of CO₂ scrubbers used is dependent upon the results sought andthe items to be packaged. The duration of action of the CO₂ scrubberwill depend, in part, upon the scrubber(s) used, the concentration ofthe scrubber(s) used, and the exposure of the scrubber(s) to atmosphericand/or packaged conditions.

[0063] A floral holding material may be disposed in the modifiedatmosphere package 50 with the floral grouping 12 a as a floral groupingmaintenance agent 66. It will be appreciated that floral holdingmaterials are known in the art. Examples of floral holding materialinclude, but not by way of limitation, florist's foam, polymericholders, fiberboard, netting or sleeves to protect blooms, and tissuepaper to protect flowers from condensation. The duration of action ofthe floral holding material will depend, in part, upon the floralholding material(s) used, the amount of floral holding material(s) used,and the exposure of the floral holding material(s) to atmospheric and/orpackaged conditions.

[0064] Referring again to FIGS. 4 and 5, after the floral grouping 12 ais disposed in the floral grouping retaining space 58 of the package 50,the open first end 52 of the modified atmosphere package 50 is partiallyclosed via the bonding material 60 present on the inner surface 62 ofthe modified atmosphere package 50. A modified atmosphere 44 a isinjected into the floral grouping retaining space 58 of the modifiedatmosphere package 50 through a small opening (not shown) in thepartially closed first end 52 of the modified atmosphere package 50.Following injection of the modified atmosphere 44 a into the floralgrouping retaining space 58 of the modified atmosphere package 50, thesmall opening (not shown) in the first end 52 of the modified atmospherepackage 50 is sealed via the bonding material 60 present on the innersurface 62 of the modified atmosphere package 50, thereby sealing boththe floral grouping 12 a and the modified atmosphere 44 a within themodified atmosphere package 50, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0065] Referring now to the modified atmosphere 44, depending upon theparticular floral grouping 12, varying ranges of oxygen, carbon dioxideand nitrogen concentrations may be used in the modified atmosphere 44.The modified atmosphere 44 may contain an oxygen concentration rangingfrom 0% to about 10% by volume and the remaining concentration of themodified atmosphere 44 being substantially all molecular nitrogen. Themodified atmosphere 44 may contain an oxygen concentration ranging fromabout 1% to about 3% by volume, a carbon dioxide concentration rangingfrom 0% to about 15% by volume, and the remaining concentration of themodified atmosphere 44 being substantially all molecular nitrogen. Also,the modified atmosphere 44 may contain an oxygen concentration of 21% byTABLE I Desired Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide Concentration Ranges forModified Atmosphere Storage of Specific Flowers Floral Grouping O₂% (ByVolume) CO₂% (By Volume) carnations 0.5-21   4-20 roses 0.5-21   5-30orchids  1-21 0-2 tulips  3-21 0-5 narcissus  0 0.00 daffodils 0-3 0anthurium  2-10 0 chrysanthemum 1-2 0 mimosa 7-8 0 gladiolus 1-3  5-15snapdragon 1-2  0-15 lilies 21 10-20 ferns 21 15-30 freesia 21  8-12

[0066] volume, which is the same as normal air, a carbon dioxideconcentration ranging from about 8% to about 30% by volume, and theremaining concentration of the modified atmosphere 44 beingsubstantially all molecular nitrogen.

[0067] Listed above in Table I are the desired oxygen and carbon dioxideconcentration ranges for modified atmosphere packaging for specific cutflowers. For example, but not by way of limitation, the desired oxygenand carbon dioxide concentrations required for modified atmospherestorage of carnations and roses can vary greatly between differentcultivars and storage conditions, while the desired modified atmosphere44 about narcissus will contain substantially all molecular nitrogen.Additionally, the desired modified atmosphere 44 for storing floralgroupings such as lilies, ferns and freesia will contain the normalatmospheric oxygen concentration (21%) and a carbon dioxideconcentration in the range of from about 8% to about 30% by volume.

[0068] It will be understood that other modified atmospheres withdiffering oxygen and carbon dioxide concentration ranges may be employedin the spirit of the present invention.

[0069] Referring now to FIG. 5, a modified atmosphere package 70 isillustrated, which includes an open first end 72, a closed second end74, and a sidewall 76. The closed second end 74 and the sidewall 76 ofthe package 70 cooperate to define a floral grouping retaining space 78which openly communicates with the open first end 72 of the modifiedatmosphere package 70. Fluid impermeable perforations 79 may be presenton a portion of the modified atmosphere package 70. The floral grouping12 b may be cut flowers having a stem portion 80 and a bloom portion 82.The stem portion 80 of the cut flower 12 b may be dried prior to beingdisposed in the modified atmosphere package 70, or the stem portion 80may be stored wet. Dry storage permits a longer storage period for someflower species and space savings in storage rooms. Dry storage istypically used when maximum storage periods are required. Wet storage inwater or a floral preservative solution is the most common practice forshort storage periods.

[0070] When dry storage is used, the floral grouping 12 b is usuallywrapped in soft paper or newspaper to absorb any condensed moistureappearing on the floral grouping 12 b prior to disposing the floralgrouping 12 b in the modified atmosphere package 70.

[0071] When wet storage is used, a vial 84 may be provided, as shown inFIG. 5. The vial 84 includes an upper end 86, a closed lower end 88, anda sidewall 90. The vial 84 may be constructed of, but not by way oflimitation, plastic or rubber. The closed lower end 88 and the sidewall90 of the vial 84 cooperate to define a floral stem retaining space 92openly communicating with the upper end 86 of the vial 84, which isadapted to receive a portion of the stem portion 80 of the cut flower 12b. The vial 84 may or may not be attached to the lower end 74 of themodified atmosphere package 70 via a bonding material 94.

[0072] A floral preservative solution 96 is disposed in the floral stemretaining space 92 of the vial 84 prior to placing the stem portion 80of the cut flower 12 b into the floral stem retaining space 92 of thevial 84. The floral preservative solution 96 may contain water, acarbohydrate, a disinfectant, a growth regulator, an ethylene inhibitor,an acidifier, a wetting agent and combinations thereof.

[0073] It will be appreciated that carbohydrates are known in the art.Examples of carbohydrates include, but not by way of limitation,sucrose, glucose, fructose and combinations thereof. It will further beappreciated that the precise amounts of carbohydrates used is dependentupon the results sought and the items to be packaged.

[0074] The use of a disinfectant in the floral preservative solution 96will be substantially the same as the use of a disinfectant as a surfacepackaging agent 40 or a floral grouping maintenance agent 66 aspreviously described in detail above.

[0075] It will be appreciated that growth regulators are known in theart. Examples of growth regulators include, but not by way oflimitation, maleic hydrazide, cycloheximide, daminozide, chlormaquat,sodium azide, absicissic acid, n-dimethylamino succinamic acid,cytokinins, auxins, gibberellins, morphactins and combinations thereof.It will further be appreciated that the precise amounts of growthregulators used is dependent upon the results sought and the items to bepackaged.

[0076] The use of an ethylene inhibitor in the floral preservativesolution 96 will be substantially similar to the use of an anti-ethyleneagent as a surface packaging agent 40 or a floral grouping maintenanceagent 66 as previously described in detail above, with the exceptionthat the term “anti-ethylene agent” as used herein includes agents whichremove ethylene from the atmosphere as well as agents which inhibitethylene production or counteract the effects of ethylene, while theterm “ethylene inhibitor” as used herein only includes agents whichinhibit ethylene production or counteract the effects of ethylene.

[0077] It will be appreciated that acidifiers are known in the art.Examples of acidifiers include, but not by way of limitation, citricacid, isoascorbic acid, tartaric acid, aluminum sulfate and combinationsthereof. It will further be appreciated that the precise amounts ofacidifiers used is dependent upon the results sought and the items to bepackaged.

[0078] It will be appreciated that wetting agents are known in the art.Examples of wetting agents include, but not by way of limitation, sodiumhypochlorite, Tween-20 and combinations thereof. The precise amount ofwetting agent(s) used is dependent upon the results sought and the itemsto be packaged.

[0079] Cut flowers, whether stored wet or dry, may be treated by agrower prior to storage. Treatment methods include, but not by way oflimitation, spraying or dipping in disinfectants, pulsing with a floralpreservative solution containing carbohydrates, disinfectants, and/oranti-ethylene agents, rapid precooling, and brief exposure to amodified/controlled atmosphere having a substantially high carbondioxide concentration (over 30%). Typically, the agents used inpretreatment, namely, the disinfectant, the components of the floralpreservative solution, and the carbon dioxide concentration of themodified/controlled atmosphere, are much higher than those used inpackaging for prolonged storage, i.e., surface packaging agents 40,floral grouping maintenance agents 66, modified atmosphere 44, andfloral preservative solution 96. Prolonged exposure to the pretreatmentconditions will be very injurious to the floral grouping 12, but briefexposure, from one to 24 hours by growers prior to packaging andtransportation will extend shelf life and thus appearance, and assist insubsequent bud opening of certain flowers such as, but not by way oflimitation, carnations, roses, chrysanthemum and gladiolus.

[0080] It will be understood that the surface packaging agent 40, thefloral grouping maintenance agent 66 and the vial 84 containing thefloral preservative solution 96 may be employed in any embodiment of themodified atmosphere package as described herein, and are not limited touse with the specific modified atmosphere package 10, 50 or 70 withwhich they are disclosed or illustrated.

[0081] For the sake of brevity, the modified atmosphere storageconditions described hereinafter will only discuss the modifiedatmosphere package 10 and the floral grouping 12 and modified atmosphere44 contained therein. However, it will be understood that theseconditions will also be observed for the modified atmosphere package 50and the floral grouping 12 a and modified atmosphere 44 a containedtherein, as well as the modified atmosphere package 70 and the floralgrouping 12 b and modified atmosphere 44 b contained therein.

[0082] The modified atmosphere package 10 and thus the floral grouping12 disposed therein will be maintained at a temperature in the range offrom about 32 to about 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

[0083] During modified atmosphere storage in which air exchange isrestricted, the floral grouping 12 will develop an atmosphere containingreduced oxygen and increased carbon dioxide concentrations due torespiration of the floral grouping 12. Hazards associated with usingsealed packaging for storage of flowers include accumulation ofethylene, increase of carbon dioxide concentration, or decrease inoxygen concentration, which can have adverse effects on the appearanceof the floral grouping 12. Proper precooling of the floral grouping 12prior to storage and maintenance of the temperature of the modifiedatmosphere package 10 about the floral grouping 12 in the desiredtemperature range will inhibit endogenous ethylene production as well asthe rate of respiration; however, in addition to the varying oxygen andcarbon dioxide permeabilities of the sheet of material 30 from which themodified atmosphere package 10 is constructed, surface packaging agents40 and/or floral grouping maintenance agents 66, including anti-ethyleneagents and carbon dioxide scrubbers, may either be present on themodified atmosphere package 10 or disposed in the floral groupingretaining space 20 of the modified atmosphere package 10 to preventthese hazards from damaging the floral grouping 12.

[0084] The modified atmosphere package 10 will be of the size andappearance which can be displayed by a retail florist and will not beopened until ready for sale, and will prevent handling at wholesale anddistribution points. By packaging floral groupings singularly or insmall groups, different modified atmospheres 44 with specific O₂ and CO₂concentrations can be used. This will allow for less handling of thefloral groupings at wholesale and distribution points and would evenallow bypassing of these points for direct delivery to retail outlets,making the modified atmosphere storage more successful and economicallyfeasible.

[0085] Upon sale of the floral grouping 12 maintained in the modifiedatmosphere package 10 to the retail outlet or the consumer, the modifiedatmosphere package 10 is torn along the perforations 38 to open themodified atmosphere package 10 and remove the floral grouping 12 fromthe modified atmosphere package 10.

[0086] The relative humidity of the modified atmosphere package must behigh to prevent transpiration of the floral grouping 12. Increasedtranspiration results in loss of water by cells of the floral grouping12, which results in petal wilting of the flowers, and the rate oftranspiration is inversely proportional to the relative humidity of theair. The relative humidity of a modified atmosphere package 10containing cut flowers should be about 90% to about 98%. The relativehumidity of a modified atmosphere package 10 containing potted plantsshould be about 80% to about 90%.

[0087] For modified atmosphere packaging, maintaining a high relativehumidity in the package 10 is fairly easy, since the atmospheresurrounding the flowers quickly becomes saturated. However, too high arelative humidity causes water condensation on the flowers and thepackaging, and interactions between the condensed water and the floralgrouping 12 will result in petal damage and spreading of diseases, suchas, but not by way of limitation, Botrytis gray mold. Surface packagingagents 40 and floral grouping maintenance agents 66 are included in themodified atmosphere package for the floral grouping to prevent thefloral grouping 12 from contacting condensed water.

[0088] From the above description, it is clear that the presentinvention is well adapted to carry out the objects and to attain theadvantages mentioned herein as well as those inherent in the invention.While presently preferred embodiments of the invention have beendescribed for purposes of this disclosure, it will be understood thatnumerous changes may be made which will readily suggest themselves tothose skilled in the art and which are accomplished within the spirit ofthe invention disclosed and as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for providing a modified atmospherepackage for a floral grouping to increase the life of the floralgrouping, the method comprising the steps of: providing a floralgrouping, wherein the floral grouping is selected from the groupconsisting of cut flowers, potted plants and propagules, and wherein thefloral grouping comprises at least one plant or flower selected from thegroup consisting of carnations, roses, orchids, tulips, narcissus,daffodils, anthurium, chrysanthemum, mimosa, gladiolus, snapdragon,lilies, ferns, freesia, and combinations thereof; providing a packagehaving an open first end, a closed second end and a sidewall, the closedsecond end and the sidewall cooperating to define a floral groupingretaining space openly communicating with the open first end of thepackage, the package constructed of a sheet of material having modifiedatmosphere characteristics such that the package is permeable to certaingases while impermeable to other gases, the package also having abonding material present on a portion thereof; disposing the floralgrouping into the floral grouping retaining space of the package;injecting a modified atmosphere into the floral grouping retaining spaceof the package, the modified atmosphere containing an oxygenconcentration ranging from 0% to about 21% by volume, a carbon dioxideconcentration ranging from 0% to about 30% by volume, and the remainingconcentration of the modified atmosphere being substantially molecularnitrogen; and sealing the open first end of the package to provide amodified atmosphere package for the floral grouping disposed in the pot,thereby increasing the life of the floral grouping.
 2. The method ofclaim 1 wherein, in the step of providing a package, the package hasfluid impermeable perforations present on a portion thereof.
 3. Themethod of claim 2 further comprising the steps of tearing the modifiedatmosphere package along the perforations to open the modifiedatmosphere package and removing the floral grouping disposed in the potfrom the modified atmosphere package.
 4. The method of claim 1 furthercomprising disposing at least one floral grouping maintenance agent intothe package with the floral grouping prior to sealing the open first endof the package, the floral grouping maintenance agent selected from thegroup consisting of a disinfectant, an anti-ethylene agent, ananti-static agent, a water-containing sponge, a cooling enzyme, a carbondioxide scrubber, a floral holding material and combinations thereof. 5.The method of claim 4 wherein the disinfectant is selected from thegroup consisting of 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate, 8-hydroxyquinolinecitrate, iprodione, procymidone, vinclozolin, prochloraz, amphyl, sodiumhypochlorite, copper sulfate, silver nitrate, silver thiosulfate,thiobendazole, zinc acetate, chlorpyrifos, methyl bromide, aluminumsulfate, aluminum nitrate and combinations thereof.
 6. The method ofclaim 4 wherein the anti-ethylene agent is selected from the groupconsisting of a potassium permanganate-containing ethylene scrubber,activated brominated charcoal, ethylene oxide, aminoethoxyvinylglycine,sodium thiosulfate, sodium benzoate, carbonyl cyanide, cycloheximide,1-methylcyclorpropene, a substituted benzothiadiazole, a gibberellin, acytokinin, and combinations thereof.
 7. The method of claim 4 whereinthe carbon dioxide scrubber is selected from the group consisting ofsodium hydroxide, water, activated charcoal, hydrated lime, a molecularsieve and combinations thereof.
 8. The method of claim 1 furthercomprising the step of maintaining the modified atmosphere and thefloral grouping disposed in the modified atmosphere package at atemperature in the range of from about 32 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. 9.The method of claim 1 wherein, in the step of providing a floralgrouping, the floral grouping is a potted plant, and the relativehumidity of the modified atmosphere provided in the modified atmospherepackage is about 80% to about 90%.
 10. The method of claim 1 wherein, inthe step of providing a floral grouping, the floral grouping is cutflowers having a stem portion and a bloom portion, and the relativehumidity of the modified atmosphere provided in the modified atmospherepackage is about 90% to about 98%.
 11. The method of claim 10 whereinthe cut flower stems are dried prior to storage.
 12. The method of claim10 wherein the cut flower stems are stored wet.
 13. The method of claim12 further comprising providing a vial having an upper end, a closedlower end and a sidewall, the lower end and the sidewall of the vialcooperating to define a floral stem retaining space openly communicatingwith the upper end of the vial which is adapted to receive a portion ofthe stem portion of the cut flowers of the floral grouping.
 14. Themethod of claim 13 further comprising placing a floral preservativesolution into the floral stem retaining space of the vial prior toplacing a portion of the stem portion of the cut flowers of the floralgrouping into the vial.
 15. The method of claim 14 wherein the floralpreservative solution consists of at least one of water, a carbohydrate,a disinfectant, a growth regulator, an ethylene inhibitor, an acidifier,and a wetting agent.
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein the carbohydrateis selected from the group consisting of sucrose, glucose, fructose, andcombinations thereof.
 17. The method of claim 15 wherein thedisinfectant is selected from the group consisting of 8-hydroxyquinolinesulfate, 8-hydroxyquinoline citrate, iprodione, procymidone,vinclozolin, prochloraz, amphyl, sodium hypochlorite, copper sulfate,silver nitrate, silver thiosulfate, thiobendazole, zinc acetate,chlorpyrifos, methyl bromide, aluminum sulfate, aluminum nitrate, andcombinations thereof.
 18. The method of claim 15 wherein the growthregulator is selected from the group consisting of maleic hydrazide,cycloheximide, daminozide, chlormaquat, sodium azide, absicissic acid,n-dimethylamino succinamic acid, a cytokinin, an auxin, a gibberellin, amorphactin and combinations thereof.
 19. The method of claim 15 whereinthe ethylene inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of ethyleneoxide, aminoethoxyvinylglycine, sodium benzoate, 1-methylcyclopropene, asubstituted benzothiadiazole, a gibberellin, a cytokinin andcombinations thereof.
 20. The method of claim 15 wherein the acidifieris selected from the group consisting of citric acid, isoascorbic acid,tartaric acid, benzoic acid, aluminum sulfate and combinations thereof.21. The method of claim 15 wherein the wetting agent is selected fromthe group consisting of sodium hypochlorite, TWEEN®-20, and combinationsthereof.
 22. A method for providing a modified atmosphere package for afloral grouping to increase the life of the floral grouping, the methodcomprising the steps of: providing a floral grouping, wherein the floralgrouping is selected from the group consisting of cut flowers, pottedplants and propagules, and wherein the floral grouping comprises atleast one plant or flower selected from the group consisting ofcarnations, roses, orchids, tulips, narcissus, daffodils, anthurium,chrysanthemum, mimosa, gladiolus, snapdragon, lilies, ferns, freesia,and combinations thereof; providing a package having an open first end,a closed second end and a sidewall, the closed second end and thesidewall cooperating to define a floral grouping retaining space openlycommunicating with the open first end of the package, the packageconstructed of a sheet of material having modified atmospherecharacteristics such that the package is permeable to certain gaseswhile impermeable to other gases, the sheet of material having at leastone surface packaging agent present on the sheet of material, thepackage also having a bonding material present on a portion thereof;disposing the floral grouping into the floral grouping retaining spaceof the package; injecting a modified atmosphere into the floral groupingretaining space of the package, the modified atmosphere containing anoxygen concentration ranging from 0% to about 21% by volume, a carbondioxide concentration ranging from 0% to about 30% by volume, and theremaining concentration of the modified atmosphere being substantiallymolecular nitrogen; and sealing the open first end of the package toprovide a modified atmosphere package for the floral grouping disposedin the pot, thereby increasing the life of the floral grouping.
 23. Themethod of claim 22 wherein, in the step of providing a package, thepackage has fluid impermeable perforations on a portion thereof.
 24. Themethod of claim 23 further comprising the steps of tearing the modifiedatmosphere package along the perforations to open the modifiedatmosphere package and removing the floral grouping disposed in the potfrom the modified atmosphere package.
 25. The method of claim 22wherein, in the step of providing a package, the surface packaging agentis selected from the group consisting of a disinfectant, a desiccant, ananti-fogging agent, an anti-ethylene agent, a cooling enzyme andcombinations thereof.
 26. The method of claim 25 wherein thedisinfectant is selected from the group consisting of 8-hydroxyquinolinesulfate, 8-hydroxyquinoline citrate, iprodione, procymidone,vinclozolin, prochloraz, amphyl, sodium hypochlorite, copper sulfate,silver nitrate, silver thiosulfate, thiobendazole, zinc acetate,chlorpyrifos, methyl bromide, aluminum sulfate, aluminum nitrate andcombinations thereof.
 27. The method of claim 25 wherein the desiccantis selected from the group consisting of calcium chloride, silica geland combinations thereof.
 28. The method of claim 25 wherein theanti-ethylene agent is selected from the group consisting of a potassiumpermanganate-containing ethylene scrubber, activated brominatedcharcoal, ethylene oxide, aminoethoxyvinylglycine, sodium thiosulfate,sodium benzoate, carbonyl cyanide, cycloheximide, 1-methylcyclopropene,a substituted benzothiadiazole, a gibberellin, a cytokinin andcombinations thereof.
 29. The method of claim 22 further comprising thestep of maintaining the modified atmosphere package and thus the floralgrouping disposed therein at a temperature in the range of from about 32to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
 30. The method of claim 22 wherein therelative humidity of the modified atmosphere within the modifiedatmosphere package is about 80% to about 90%.
 31. The method of claim 22wherein, in the step of providing a floral grouping, the floral groupingis cut flowers having a stem portion and a bloom portion, and therelative humidity of the modified atmosphere provided in the modifiedatmosphere package is about 90% to about 98%.
 32. The method of claim 31wherein the cut flower stems are dried prior to storage.
 33. The methodof claim 31 wherein the cut flower stems are stored wet.
 34. The methodof claim 33 further comprising providing a vial having an upper end, aclosed lower end and a sidewall, the lower end and the sidewall of thevial cooperating to define a floral stem retaining space openlycommunicating with the upper end of the vial which is adapted to receivea portion of the stem portion of the cut flowers of the floral grouping.35. The method of claim 34 further comprising placing a floralpreservative solution into the floral stem retaining space of the vialprior to placing a portion of the stem portion of the cut flowers of thefloral grouping into the vial.
 36. The method of claim 35 wherein thefloral preservative solution consists of at least one of water, acarbohydrate, a disinfectant, a growth regulator, an ethylene inhibitor,an acidifier, and a wetting agent.
 37. The method of claim 36 whereinthe carbohydrate is selected from the group consisting of sucrose,glucose, fructose, and combinations thereof.
 38. The method of claim 36wherein the disinfectant is selected from the group consisting of8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate, 8-hydroxyquinoline citrate, iprodione,procymidone, vinclozolin, prochloraz, amphyl, sodium hypochlorite,copper sulfate, silver nitrate, silver thiosulfate, thiobendazole, zincacetate, chlorpyrifos, methyl bromide, aluminum sulfate, aluminumnitrate, and combinations thereof.
 39. The method of claim 36 whereinthe growth regulator is selected from the group consisting of maleichydrazide, cycloheximide, daminozide, chlormaquat, sodium azide,absicissic acid, n-dimethylamino succinamic acid, a cytokinin, an auxin,a gibberellin, a morphactin and combinations thereof.
 40. The method ofclaim 36 wherein the ethylene inhibitor is selected from the groupconsisting of ethylene oxide, aminoethoxyvinylglycine, sodium benzoate,1-methylcyclopropene, a substituted benzothiadiazole, a gibberellin, acytokinin and combinations thereof.
 41. The method of claim 36 whereinthe acidifier is selected from the group consisting of citric acid,isoascorbic acid, tartaric acid, benzoic acid, aluminum sulfate andcombinations thereof.
 42. The method of claim 36 wherein the wettingagent is selected from the group consisting of sodium hypochlorite,TWEEN®-20, and combinations thereof.
 43. A method for providing amodified atmosphere package for a floral grouping to increase the lifeof the floral grouping, the method comprising the steps of: providing afloral grouping, wherein the floral grouping is selected from the groupconsisting of cut flowers, potted plants and propagules, and wherein thefloral grouping comprises at least one plant or flower selected from thegroup consisting of carnations, roses, orchids, tulips, narcissus,daffodils, anthurium, chrysanthemum, mimosa, gladiolus, snapdragon,lilies, ferns, freesia, and combinations thereof; providing a packagehaving an open first end, a closed second end and a sidewall, the closedsecond end and the sidewall cooperating to define a floral groupingretaining space openly communicating with the open first end of thepackage, the package constructed of a sheet of material having modifiedatmosphere characteristics such that the package is permeable to certaingases while impermeable to other gases, the sheet of material having atleast one surface packaging agent present on the sheet of material, thepackage also having a bonding material present on a portion thereof;disposing the floral grouping into the floral grouping retaining spaceof the package; disposing within the package at least one floralgrouping maintenance agent; injecting a modified atmosphere into thefloral grouping retaining space of the package, the modified atmospherecomprising an oxygen concentration ranging from 0% to about 21% byvolume, a carbon dioxide concentration ranging from 0% to about 30% byvolume, and the remaining concentration of the modified atmosphere beingsubstantially all molecular nitrogen; and sealing the open first end ofthe package so as to provide a modified atmosphere package for thefloral grouping disposed in the pot, thereby increasing the life of thefloral grouping.
 44. The method of claim 43 wherein, in the step ofproviding a package, the package has fluid impermeable perforationspresent on a portion thereof.
 45. The method of claim 44 furthercomprising the steps of tearing the modified atmosphere package alongthe perforations to open the modified atmosphere package and removingthe floral grouping disposed in the pot from the modified atmospherepackage.
 46. The method of claim 43 wherein, in the step of providing apackage, the surface packaging agent is selected from the groupconsisting of a disinfectant, a desiccant, an anti-fogging agent, ananti-ethylene agent, a cooling enzyme and combinations thereof.
 47. Themethod of claim 46 wherein the disinfectant is selected from the groupconsisting of 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate, 8-hydroxyquinoline citrate,iprodione, procymidone, vinclozolin, prochloraz, amphyl, sodiumhypochlorite, copper sulfate, silver nitrate, silver thiosulfate,thiobendazole, zinc acetate, chlorpyrifos, methyl bromide, aluminumsulfate, aluminum nitrate and combinations thereof.
 48. The method ofclaim 46 wherein the desiccant is selected from the group consisting ofcalcium chloride, silica gel and combinations thereof.
 49. The method ofclaim 46 wherein the anti-ethylene agent is selected from the groupconsisting of a potassium permanganate-containing ethylene scrubber,activated brominated charcoal, ethylene oxide, aminoethoxyvinylglycine,sodium thiosulfate, sodium benzoate, carbonyl cyanide, cycloheximide,1-methylcyclopropene, a substituted benzothiadiazole, a gibberellin, acytokinin and combinations thereof.
 50. The method of claim 43 wherein,in the step of disposing within the package at least one floral groupingmaintenance agent, the floral grouping maintenance agent is selectedfrom the group consisting of a disinfectant, an anti-ethylene agent, ananti-static agent, a water-containing sponge, a carbon dioxide scrubber,a cooling enzyme and combinations thereof.
 51. The method of claim 50wherein the disinfectant is selected from the group consisting of8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate, 8-hydroxyquinoline citrate, iprodione,procymidone, vinclozolin, prochloraz, amphyl, sodium hypochlorite,copper sulfate, silver nitrate, silver thiosulfate, thiobendazole, zincacetate, chlorpyrifos, methyl bromide, aluminum sulfate, aluminumnitrate and combinations thereof.
 52. The method of claim 50 wherein theanti-ethylene agent is selected from the group consisting of a potassiumpermanganate-containing ethylene scrubber, activated brominatedcharcoal, ethylene oxide, aminoethoxyvinylglycine, sodium thiosulfate,sodium benzoate, carbonyl cyanide, cycloheximide, 1-methylcyclopropene,a substituted benzothiadiazole, a gibberellin, a cytokinin andcombinations thereof.
 53. The method of claim 50 wherein the carbondioxide scrubber is selected from the group consisting of sodiumhydroxide, water, activated charcoal, hydrated lime, a molecular sieveand combinations thereof.
 54. The method of claim 43 further comprisingthe step of maintaining the modified atmosphere package and thus thefloral grouping disposed therein at a temperature in the range of fromabout 32 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
 55. The method of claim 43 wherein,in the step of providing a floral grouping, the floral grouping is apotted plant, and the relative humidity of the modified atmosphereprovided in the modified atmosphere package is about 80% to about 90%.56. The method of claim 43 wherein, in the step of providing a floralgrouping, the floral grouping is cut flowers having a stem portion and abloom portion, and the relative humidity of the modified atmosphereprovided in the modified atmosphere package is about 90% to about 98%.57. The method of claim 56 wherein the cut flower stems are dried priorto storage.
 58. The method of claim 56 wherein the cut flower stems arestored wet.
 59. The method of claim 58 further comprising providing avial having an upper end, a closed lower end and a sidewall, the lowerend and the sidewall of the vial cooperating to define a floral stemretaining space openly communicating with the upper end of the vialwhich is adapted to receive a portion of the stem portion of the cutflowers of the floral grouping.
 60. The method of claim 59 furthercomprising placing a floral preservative solution into the floral stemretaining space of the vial prior to placing a portion of the stemportion of the cut flowers of the floral grouping into the vial.
 61. Themethod of claim 60 wherein the floral preservative solution consists ofat least one of water, a carbohydrate, a disinfectant, a growthregulator, an ethylene inhibitor, an acidifier, and a wetting agent. 62.The method of claim 61 wherein the carbohydrate is selected from thegroup consisting of sucrose, glucose, fructose, and combinationsthereof.
 63. The method of claim 61 wherein the disinfectant is selectedfrom the group consisting of 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate,8-hydroxyquinoline citrate, iprodione, procymidone, vinclozolin,prochloraz, amphyl, sodium hypochlorite, copper sulfate, silver nitrate,silver thiosulfate, thiobendazole, zinc acetate, chlorpyrifos, methylbromide, aluminum sulfate, aluminum nitrate, and combinations thereof.64. The method of claim 61 wherein the growth regulator is selected fromthe group consisting of maleic hydrazide, cycloheximide, daminozide,chlormaquat, sodium azide, absicissic acid, n-dimethylamino succinamicacid, a cytokinin, an auxin, a gibberellin, a morphactin andcombinations thereof.
 65. The method of claim 61 wherein the ethyleneinhibitor is selected from the group consisting of ethylene oxide,aminoethoxyvinylglycine, sodium benzoate, 1-methylcyclopropene, asubstituted benzothiadiazole, a gibberellin, a cytokinin andcombinations thereof.
 66. The method of claim 61 wherein the acidifieris selected from the group consisting of citric acid, isoascorbic acid,tartaric acid, benzoic acid, aluminum sulfate and combinations thereof.67. The method of claim 61 wherein the wetting agent is selected fromthe group consisting of sodium hypochlorite, TWEEN®-20, and combinationsthereof.
 68. A method for providing a modified atmosphere package for afloral grouping to increase the life of the floral grouping, the methodcomprising the steps of: providing a floral grouping, wherein the floralgrouping is selected from the group consisting of cut flowers, pottedplants and propagules, and wherein the floral grouping comprises atleast one plant or flower selected from the group consisting ofcarnations, roses, orchids, tulips, narcissus, daffodils, anthurium,chrysanthemum, mimosa, gladiolus, snapdragon, lilies, ferns, freesia,and combinations thereof; providing a package having an open first end,a closed second end and a sidewall, the closed second end and thesidewall cooperating to define a floral grouping retaining space openlycommunicating with the open first end of the package, the packageconstructed of a sheet of material having modified atmospherecharacteristics such that the package is permeable to certain gaseswhile impermeable to other gases, the package also having a bondingmaterial present on a portion thereof; disposing the floral groupinginto the floral grouping retaining space of the package; partiallysealing the open first end of the package to provide a small opening inthe first end of the package; injecting a modified atmosphere throughthe small opening in the first end of the package into the floralgrouping retaining space of the package, the modified atmospherecontaining an oxygen concentration ranging from 0% to about 21% byvolume, a carbon dioxide concentration ranging from 0% to about 30% byvolume, and the remaining concentration of the modified atmosphere beingsubstantially molecular nitrogen; and sealing the small opening in thefirst end of the package to provide a modified atmosphere package forthe floral grouping disposed in the pot, thereby increasing the life ofthe floral grouping.
 69. The method of claim 68 wherein, in the step ofproviding a package, the package has fluid impermeable perforationspresent on a portion thereof.
 70. The method of claim 69 furthercomprising the steps of tearing the modified atmosphere package alongthe perforations to open the modified atmosphere package and removingthe floral grouping disposed in the pot from the modified atmospherepackage.
 71. The method of claim 68 further comprising disposing atleast one floral grouping maintenance agent into the package with thefloral grouping prior to sealing the open first end of the package, thefloral grouping maintenance agent selected from the group consisting ofa disinfectant, an anti-ethylene agent, an anti-static agent, awater-containing sponge, a cooling enzyme, a carbon dioxide scrubber, afloral holding material and combinations thereof.
 72. The method ofclaim 71 wherein the disinfectant is selected from the group consistingof 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate, 8-hydroxyquinoline citrate, iprodione,procymidone, vinclozolin, prochloraz, amphyl, sodium hypochlorite,copper sulfate, silver nitrate, silver thiosulfate, thiobendazole, zincacetate, chlorpyrifos, methyl bromide, aluminum sulfate, aluminumnitrate and combinations thereof.
 73. The method of claim 71 wherein theanti-ethylene agent is selected from the group consisting of a potassiumpermanganate-containing ethylene scrubber, activated brominatedcharcoal, ethylene oxide, aminoethoxyvinylglycine, sodium thiosulfate,sodium benzoate, carbonyl cyanide, cycloheximide, 1-methylcyclopropene,a substituted benzothiadiazole, a gibberellin, a cytokinin, andcombinations thereof.
 74. The method of claim 71 wherein the carbondioxide scrubber is selected from the group consisting of sodiumhydroxide, water, activated charcoal, hydrated lime, a molecular sieveand combinations thereof.
 75. The method of claim 68 further comprisingthe step of maintaining the modified atmosphere and the floral groupingdisposed in the modified atmosphere package at a temperature in therange of from about 32 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
 76. The method of claim68 wherein, in the step of providing a floral grouping, the floralgrouping is a potted plant, and the relative humidity of the modifiedatmosphere provided in the modified atmosphere package is about 80% toabout 90%.
 77. The method of claim 68 wherein, in the step of providinga floral grouping, the floral grouping is cut flowers having a stemportion and a bloom portion, and the relative humidity of the modifiedatmosphere provided in the modified atmosphere package is about 90% toabout 98%.
 78. The method of claim 77 wherein the cut flower stems aredried prior to storage.
 79. The method of claim 77 wherein the cutflower stems are stored wet.
 80. The method of claim 79 furthercomprising providing a vial having an upper end, a closed lower end anda sidewall, the lower end and the sidewall of the vial cooperating todefine a floral stem retaining space openly communicating with the upperend of the vial which is adapted to receive a portion of the stemportion of the cut flowers of the floral grouping.
 81. The method ofclaim 80 further comprising placing a floral preservative solution intothe floral stem retaining space of the vial prior to placing a portionof the stem portion of the cut flowers of the floral grouping into thevial.
 82. The method of claim 81 wherein the floral preservativesolution consists of at least one of water, a carbohydrate, adisinfectant, a growth regulator, an ethylene inhibitor, an acidifier,and a wetting agent.
 83. The method of claim 82 wherein the carbohydrateis selected from the group consisting of sucrose, glucose, fructose, andcombinations thereof.
 84. The method of claim 82 wherein thedisinfectant is selected from the group consisting of 8-hydroxyquinolinesulfate, 8-hydroxyquinoline citrate, iprodione, procymidone,vinclozolin, prochloraz, amphyl, sodium hypochlorite, copper sulfate,silver nitrate, silver thiosulfate, thiobendazole, zinc acetate,chlorpyrifos, methyl bromide, aluminum sulfate, aluminum nitrate, andcombinations thereof.
 85. The method of claim 82 wherein the growthregulator is selected from the group consisting of maleic hydrazide,cycloheximide, daminozide, chlormaquat, sodium azide, absicissic acid,n-dimethylamino succinamic acid, a cytokinin, an auxin, a gibberellin, amorphactin and combinations thereof.
 86. The method of claim 82 whereinthe ethylene inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of ethyleneoxide, aminoethoxyvinylglycine, sodium benzoate, 1-methylcyclopropene, asubstituted benzothiadiazole, a gibberellin, a cytokinin andcombinations thereof.
 87. The method of claim 82 wherein the acidifieris selected from the group consisting of citric acid, isoascorbic acid,tartaric acid, benzoic acid, aluminum sulfate and combinations thereof.88. The method of claim 82 wherein the wetting agent is selected fromthe group consisting of sodium hypochlorite, TWEEN®-20, and combinationsthereof.
 89. A method for providing a modified atmosphere package for afloral grouping to increase the life of the floral grouping, the methodcomprising the steps of: providing a floral grouping, wherein the floralgrouping is selected from the group consisting of cut flowers, pottedplants and propagules, and wherein the floral grouping comprises atleast one plant or flower selected from the group consisting ofcarnations, roses, orchids, tulips, narcissus, daffodils, anthurium,chrysanthemum, mimosa, gladiolus, snapdragon, lilies, ferns, freesia,and combinations thereof; providing a package having an open first end,a closed second end and a sidewall, the closed second end and thesidewall cooperating to define a floral grouping retaining space openlycommunicating with the open first end of the package, the packageconstructed of a sheet of material having modified atmospherecharacteristics such that the package is permeable to certain gaseswhile impermeable to other gases, the sheet of material having at leastone surface packaging agent present on the sheet of material, thepackage also having a bonding material present on a portion thereof;disposing the floral grouping into the floral grouping retaining spaceof the package; partially sealing the open first end of the package toprovide a small opening in the first end of the package; injecting amodified atmosphere through the small opening in the first end of thepackage into the floral grouping retaining space of the package, themodified atmosphere containing an oxygen concentration ranging from 0%to about 21% by volume, a carbon dioxide concentration ranging from 0%to about 30% by volume, and the remaining concentration of the modifiedatmosphere being substantially molecular nitrogen; and sealing the smallopening in the first end of the package to provide a modified atmospherepackage for the floral grouping disposed in the pot, thereby increasingthe life of the floral grouping.
 90. The method of claim 89 wherein, inthe step of providing a package, the package has fluid impermeableperforations on a portion thereof.
 91. The method of claim 90 furthercomprising the steps of tearing the modified atmosphere package alongthe perforations to open the modified atmosphere package and removingthe floral grouping disposed in the pot from the modified atmospherepackage.
 92. The method of claim 89 wherein, in the step of providing apackage, the surface packaging agent is selected from the groupconsisting of a disinfectant, a desiccant, an anti-fogging agent, ananti-ethylene agent, a cooling enzyme and combinations thereof.
 93. Themethod of claim 92 wherein the disinfectant is selected from the groupconsisting of 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate, 8-hydroxyquinoline citrate,iprodione, procymidone, vinclozolin, prochloraz, amphyl, sodiumhypochlorite, copper sulfate, silver nitrate, silver thiosulfate,thiobendazole, zinc acetate, chlorpyrifos, methyl bromide, aluminumsulfate, aluminum nitrate and combinations thereof.
 94. The method ofclaim 92 wherein the desiccant is selected from the group consisting ofcalcium chloride, silica gel and combinations thereof.
 95. The method ofclaim 92 wherein the anti-ethylene agent is selected from the groupconsisting of a potassium permanganate-containing ethylene scrubber,activated brominated charcoal, ethylene oxide, aminoethoxyvinylglycine,sodium thiosulfate, sodium benzoate, carbonyl cyanide, cycloheximide,1-methylcyclopropene, a substituted benzothiadiazole, a gibberellin, acytokinin and combinations thereof.
 96. The method of claim 89 furthercomprising the step of maintaining the modified atmosphere package andthus the floral grouping disposed therein at a temperature in the rangeof from about 32 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
 97. The method of claim 89wherein the relative humidity of the modified atmosphere within themodified atmosphere package is about 80% to about 90%.
 98. The method ofclaim 89 wherein, in the step of providing a floral grouping, the floralgrouping is cut flowers having a stem portion and a bloom portion, andthe relative humidity of the modified atmosphere provided in themodified atmosphere package is about 90% to about 98%.
 99. The method ofclaim 98% wherein the cut flower stems are dried prior to storage. 100.The method of claim 98% wherein the cut flower stems are stored wet.101. The method of claim 100 further comprising providing a vial havingan upper end, a closed lower end and a sidewall, the lower end and thesidewall of the vial cooperating to define a floral stem retaining spaceopenly communicating with the upper end of the vial which is adapted toreceive a portion of the stem portion of the cut flowers of the floralgrouping.
 102. The method of claim 101 further comprising placing afloral preservative solution into the floral stem retaining space of thevial prior to placing a portion of the stem portion of the cut flowersof the floral grouping into the vial.
 103. The method of claim 102wherein the floral preservative solution consists of at least one ofwater, a carbohydrate, a disinfectant, a growth regulator, an ethyleneinhibitor, an acidifier, and a wetting agent.
 104. The method of claim103 wherein the carbohydrate is selected from the group consisting ofsucrose, glucose, fructose, and combinations thereof.
 105. The method ofclaim 103 wherein the disinfectant is selected from the group consistingof 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate, 8-hydroxyquinoline citrate, iprodione,procymidone, vinclozolin, prochloraz, amphyl, sodium hypochlorite,copper sulfate, silver nitrate, silver thiosulfate, thiobendazole, zincacetate, chlorpyrifos, methyl bromide, aluminum sulfate, aluminumnitrate, and combinations thereof.
 106. The method of claim 103 whereinthe growth regulator is selected from the group consisting of maleichydrazide, cycloheximide, daminozide, chlormaquat, sodium azide,absicissic acid, n-dimethylamino succinamic acid, a cytokinin, an auxin,a gibberellin, a morphactin and combinations thereof.
 107. The method ofclaim 103 wherein the ethylene inhibitor is selected from the groupconsisting of ethylene oxide, aminoethoxyvinylglycine, sodium benzoate,1-methylcyclopropene, a substituted benzothiadiazole, a gibberellin, acytokinin and combinations thereof.
 108. The method of claim 103 whereinthe acidifier is selected from the group consisting of citric acid,isoascorbic acid, tartaric acid, benzoic acid, aluminum sulfate andcombinations thereof.
 109. The method of claim 103 wherein the wettingagent is selected from the group consisting of sodium hypochlorite,TWEEN®-20, and combinations thereof.
 110. A method for providing amodified atmosphere package for a floral grouping to increase the lifeof the floral grouping, the method comprising the steps of: providing afloral grouping, wherein the floral grouping is selected from the groupconsisting of cut flowers, potted plants and propagules, and wherein thefloral grouping comprises at least one plant or flower selected from thegroup consisting of carnations, roses, orchids, tulips, narcissus,daffodils, anthurium, chrysanthemum, mimosa, gladiolus, snapdragon,lilies, ferns, freesia, and combinations thereof; providing a packagehaving an open first end, a closed second end and a sidewall, the closedsecond end and the sidewall cooperating to define a floral groupingretaining space openly communicating with the open first end of thepackage, the package constructed of a sheet of material having modifiedatmosphere characteristics such that the package is permeable to certaingases while impermeable to other gases, the sheet of material having atleast one surface packaging agent present on the sheet of material, thepackage also having a bonding material present on a portion thereof;disposing the floral grouping into the floral grouping retaining spaceof the package; disposing within the package at least one floralgrouping maintenance agent; partially sealing the open first end of thepackage to provide a small opening in the first end of the package;injecting a modified atmosphere through the small opening in the firstend of the package into the floral grouping retaining space of thepackage, the modified atmosphere comprising an oxygen concentrationranging from 0% to about 21% by volume, a carbon dioxide concentrationranging from 0% to about 30% by volume, and the remaining concentrationof the modified atmosphere being substantially all molecular nitrogen;and sealing the small opening in the first end of the package so as toprovide a modified atmosphere package for the floral grouping disposedin the pot, thereby increasing the life of the floral grouping.
 111. Themethod of claim 110 wherein, in the step of providing a package, thepackage has fluid impermeable perforations present on a portion thereof.112. The method of claim 111 further comprising the steps of tearing themodified atmosphere package along the perforations to open the modifiedatmosphere package and removing the floral grouping disposed in the potfrom the modified atmosphere package.
 113. The method of claim 110wherein, in the step of providing a package, the surface packaging agentis selected from the group consisting of a disinfectant, a desiccant, ananti-fogging agent, an anti-ethylene agent, a cooling enzyme andcombinations thereof.
 114. The method of claim 113 wherein thedisinfectant is selected from the group consisting of 8-hydroxyquinolinesulfate, 8-hydroxyquinoline citrate, iprodione, procymidone,vinclozolin, prochloraz, amphyl, sodium hypochlorite, copper sulfate,silver nitrate, silver thiosulfate, thiobendazole, zinc acetate,chlorpyrifos, methyl bromide, aluminum sulfate, aluminum nitrate andcombinations thereof.
 115. The method of claim 113 wherein the desiccantis selected from the group consisting of calcium chloride, silica geland combinations thereof.
 116. The method of claim 113 wherein theanti-ethylene agent is selected from the group consisting of a potassiumpermanganate-containing ethylene scrubber, activated brominatedcharcoal, ethylene oxide, aminoethoxyvinylglycine, sodium thiosulfate,sodium benzoate, carbonyl cyanide, cycloheximide, 1-methylcyclopropene,a substituted benzothiadiazole, a gibberellin, a cytokinin andcombinations thereof.
 117. The method of claim 110 wherein, in the stepof disposing within the package at least one floral grouping maintenanceagent, the floral grouping maintenance agent is selected from the groupconsisting of a disinfectant, an anti-ethylene agent, an anti-staticagent, a water-containing sponge, a carbon dioxide scrubber, a coolingenzyme and combinations thereof.
 118. The method of claim 117 whereinthe disinfectant is selected from the group consisting of8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate, 8-hydroxyquinoline citrate, iprodione,procymidone, vinclozolin, prochloraz, amphyl, sodium hypochlorite,copper sulfate, silver nitrate, silver thiosulfate, thiobendazole, zincacetate, chlorpyrifos, methyl bromide, aluminum sulfate, aluminumnitrate and combinations thereof.
 119. The method of claim 117 whereinthe anti-ethylene agent is selected from the group consisting of apotassium permanganate-containing ethylene scrubber, activatedbrominated charcoal, ethylene oxide, aminoethoxyvinylglycine, sodiumthiosulfate, sodium benzoate, carbonyl cyanide, cycloheximide,1-methylcyclopropene, a substituted benzothiadiazole, a gibberellin, acytokinin and combinations thereof.
 120. The method of claim 117 whereinthe carbon dioxide scrubber is selected from the group consisting ofsodium hydroxide, water, activated charcoal, hydrated lime, a molecularsieve and combinations thereof.
 121. The method of claim 110 furthercomprising the step of maintaining the modified atmosphere package andthus the floral grouping disposed therein at a temperature in the rangeof from about 32 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
 122. The method of claim 110wherein, in the step of providing a floral grouping, the floral groupingis a potted plant, and the relative humidity of the modified atmosphereprovided in the modified atmosphere package is about 80% to about 90%.123. The method of claim 110 wherein, in the step of providing a floralgrouping, the floral grouping is cut flowers having a stem portion and abloom portion, and the relative humidity of the modified atmosphereprovided in the modified atmosphere package is about 90% to about 98%.124. The method of claim 123 wherein the cut flower stems are driedprior to storage.
 125. The method of claim 123 wherein the cut flowerstems are stored wet.
 126. The method of claim 125 further comprisingproviding a vial having an upper end, a closed lower end and a sidewall,the lower end and the sidewall of the vial cooperating to define afloral stem retaining space openly communicating with the upper end ofthe vial which is adapted to receive a portion of the stem portion ofthe cut flowers of the floral grouping.
 127. The method of claim 126further comprising placing a floral preservative solution into thefloral stem retaining space of the vial prior to placing a portion ofthe stem portion of the cut flowers of the floral grouping into thevial.
 128. The method of claim 127 wherein the floral preservativesolution consists of at least one of water, a carbohydrate, adisinfectant, a growth regulator, an ethylene inhibitor, an acidifier,and a wetting agent.
 129. The method of claim 128 wherein thecarbohydrate is selected from the group consisting of sucrose, glucose,fructose, and combinations thereof.
 130. The method of claim 128 whereinthe disinfectant is selected from the group consisting of8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate, 8-hydroxyquinoline citrate, iprodione,procymidone, vinclozolin, prochloraz, amphyl, sodium hypochlorite,copper sulfate, silver nitrate, silver thiosulfate, thiobendazole, zincacetate, chlorpyrifos, methyl bromide, aluminum sulfate, aluminumnitrate, and combinations thereof.
 131. The method of claim 128 whereinthe growth regulator is selected from the group consisting of maleichydrazide, cycloheximide, daminozide, chlormaquat, sodium azide,absicissic acid, n-dimethylamino succinamic acid, a cytokinin, an auxin,a gibberellin, a morphactin and combinations thereof.
 132. The method ofclaim 128 wherein the ethylene inhibitor is selected from the groupconsisting of ethylene oxide, aminoethoxyvinylglycine, sodium benzoate,1-methylcyclopropene, a substituted benzothiadiazole, a gibberellin, acytokinin and combinations thereof.
 133. The method of claim 128 whereinthe acidifier is selected from the group consisting of citric acid,isoascorbic acid, tartaric acid, benzoic acid, aluminum sulfate andcombinations thereof.
 134. The method of claim 128 wherein the wettingagent is selected from the group consisting of sodium hypochlorite,TWEEN®-20, and combinations thereof.